Racing Events at Royal Each year we hold three races at Royal Canoe Club: The Paddling Challenge, the Hasler Marathon and the Sprint Regatta. The Paddling Challenge – 12th October This year marks the 150th anniversary of the oldest canoe race in the World. Held since 1874, The Paddling Challenge is the longest running canoe race in the world. It has been contested by countless Olympians and World Champions over the years. This historic event has been a cornerstone of the paddling community for a century and a half, and this year promises to be more exciting than ever. Two magnificent, historic trophies and prize money are up for grabs: the Paddling Challenge Cup (since 1874) for senior men, £750, and the Sailing Challenge Cup (since 1875) for senior women, £750. There are also prizes for winners of the junior races. Who will be the King and Queen for 2024? Event Details: Date: 12th October Location: Royal Canoe Club Entry fee: £12 per entry Race Distances: 10k Race: Open Men, Open Women, Juniors (U18), and Veterans. Briefing: 14:00, Race start: 14:30 7.5k Race: For Outriggers and Para-canoes. Briefing: 14:00, Race start: 14:32 5k Race: Open to Juniors (U16). Briefing: 12:30, Race start: 13:00 Prize Money & Awards: To celebrate this momentous occasion, we are offering substantial prize money for our senior categories and fantastic rewards for our junior competitors. Open Categories: 1st Place (Men & Women): £750 2nd Place (Men & Women): £250 3rd Place (Men & Women): £150 Junior Categories: *This is only eligible to juniors racing the 10k race* 1st Place (Boys & Girls): £100 Icon Voucher 2nd Place (Boys & Girls): £50 Icon Voucher 3rd Place (Boys & Girls): £25 Icon Voucher Hot sport prize *This is only eligible in the 10k race* 1st male to the first buoy: Icon XO flex jacket 1st female to the first buoy: Icon XO flex jacket Join Us in Making History: Whether you’re a seasoned competitor, a passionate junior, or a dedicated para-athlete, this is your chance to be part of a race steeped in history and tradition. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to compete in the world’s oldest canoe race and possibly take home some amazing prizes! Oh, and there will be a party celebration for afterwards to reward your hard efforts!!! We look forward to seeing you on the water as we celebrate 150 years of the Paddling Challenge! To enter, click this link: https://app.joinin.online/#/app/joinin/organisation/shop/418c3079-7d2a-4a94-b7ec-e9848a6e8a00 Hasler Marathon The Hasler Marathon series sees clubs compete regionally to qualify for the national Hasler final. Qualifying clubs compete in the season finale for the much-prized Hasler Trophy. Competitors race against people of their own ability – regardless of age or gender – and there is a division for everyone. Division 9 is for those new to racing, whilst international athletes tend to compete in Division 1. You are promoted up divisions (and sometimes demoted down divisions) according to your finish time. Divisions 1, 2 and 3 compete over a 12 mile course. Divisions 4, 5 and 6 compete over 8 miles. Division 7, 8 and 9 compete over 4 miles where you can compete in K1 or K2 and Division 10 is for U12 year old’s for K1 only. Royal Canoe Club is part of the London and South East region. Other races in the series are held at Richmond, Elmbridge, Wey, Tonbridge and Maidstone canoe clubs. The Hasler Series itself is named after Herbert “Blondie” Hasler, who led Operation Frankton, a WW2 commando raid in double kayaks on the port of Bordeaux. The story of this raid was made into a 1955 film, The Cockleshell Heroes. Sprint Regatta Sprint canoeing is an Olympic sport and the discipline is engrained in the club’s DNA. Our sprint regatta attracts competitors from across the region and is an excellent introduction to sprint racing for juniors and novices, before progressing onto national competitions. Competitors take on 3 races to test their sprinting skills, featuring a grueling 1km dash that will test your endurance and speed, a thrilling 200m Aussie knockout where only the swiftest and most strategic will advance, and the chaotic excitement of K4 madness, where teamwork and coordination will be crucial. Each segment will challenge you in unique ways, pushing your limits and showcasing your paddling prowess in a dynamic and competitive atmosphere.
